Celebration set to honor culture from Hispanics

    September is an important month to the Hispanic culture.

The 31-day celebration, Paving the Way for Future Generations, begins Sept. 15.

    The month concludes on Oct. 15 with the Dia de la Raza, the day of the race, celebrating Mexican culture and history.

    National Hispanic Heritage month started as a weeklong celebration with the approval of public law on Sept. 17, 1968. Years later, the second largest minority group in the United States pushed for a month of celebration. On Aug. 17, 1988, Congress amended the public law by striking “week” and inserting “month.”

    The month is home to several important dates in Hispanic history. Sept. 15 is Independence Day in several countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The following day is Independence Day in Mexico. About 60 percent of Hispanic-Americans have roots in Mexico.

    Today more than 26 million Americans are of Hispanic origin, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Hispanics have made many contributions in history from cuisine to defense of the nation. Paving the Way for Future Generations celebrates all those things.

    Cities, museums, organizations and schools in the United States will hold celebrations during the month. Entertainment includes festivals, rodeos, theater performances, mariachi music, folklorico dances and recitals. Traditional foods from various Spain, Latin and South America are featured.

    Tarrant County College’s four campuses will join celebrants across the nation during the next month to honor the Hispanic culture and heritage. See calendar below, and read The Collegian for more details.